Following the recent earthquake, there were concerns about the feasibility of this year’s survey. However, on October 25, 2024, sixth-grade students from Nakajima Elementary School in Nanao City successfully completed the Survey of Marine Life in the Satoumi area. The event was organized by Nanao City, with support from specialists in the field, including Mr. Arakawa from the Noto Marine Center and Ms. Koyama, a Research Associate at OUIK.
Ms. Odake from the Nanao City Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Division began the event by welcoming everyone. Afterward, Mr. Arakawa, provided an overview of the survey methods and explained about safety precautions. The students were split into five groups, and equipped with the necessary tools, they began their survey. Using box goggles and nets, they set out in search of various creatures. Some children crawled on all fours, striving to catch crabs hiding between the stone steps, while others became so absorbed in their exploration that they waded waist-deep into the water. When the time was announced to wrap up their collecting, some students voiced their disappointment saying, “Wait, do we have to stop?”, indicating they were eager to continue their search for more creatures.
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Next, it was time for species identification. The species collected were observed separately from seaweed. The students documented the organisms they found on the worksheets and newly created complemented materials by the GIAHS Working Group. Mr. Arakawa explained about the species found and that creatures from the same family of Shitadami shells are edible. He also explained that there is a type of shellfish called Sugai (Lunella correensis), which looks similar to Shitadami but has a different shell lid shape. Crabs found by each group were gathered and placed in a single container for comparison. Two different types of crabs, Isogani (Hemigrapsus sanguineus) and Gazami (Portunus trituberculatus), were observed, revealing that the shape of the fifth leg on the Gazami crab is flattened, making it well-suited for swimming.
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At first glance, an artificial coastal shore seemed empty, but when we took a closer look, students were able to find a variety of marine life there. Due to the effects of the earthquake, children may have fewer opportunities to go outside and connect with nature. However, we hope that this survey has helped the students appreciate the richness and fascination of their local coastal environment. We also hope that they will continue deepening their understanding of how their daily lives are connected to the sea. Under the clear autumn sky, the shining smiles of the children were truly the most memorable sight of all.
